The Ohio State University

OSU Library Labs: Browser Search Extension

April 9th, 2009

Popular browsers, such as Internet Explorer and Firefox, have built-in search windows which can be populated with various search sites. OSU Libraries has made it simple for library customers to add the OSU Libraries Catalog as a browser preferred search site.

Why a Search Extension? Since the search extension is associated with the browser, the library user does not have to visit the catalog or library web sites in order to conduct a search.

How to get the Search Extension:

1) Go to the University Libraries main Web page. The code resides at this site.
2) Locate the small browser search box in the upper right hand corner of the browser (to the right of the page URL box). There is a drop down menu which exposes several search tool options. (see image).
3) After clicking the drop down, Select “Add OSU Libraries Catalog search”

Now, just enter a search term in the Search Bar and then select the OSU Library Catalog option from the drop down menu.

Can’t I Find This Option on My Web Browser? The extension is not available on all browsers, or on all releases of a browser.

-Additional help for adding this search option-

On Mac:

Opera:

• Opera menu -> Preferences -> Search tab. Click Add.
• Name: OSU Libraries Catalog
• Keyword: osul
• Address: http://library.ohio-state.edu/search/X?SEARCH=%s&searchscope=7&SORT=D
• Leave all other unchecked

Safari (OSX 10.4 and higher only):

• Download and install Inquisitor: http://www.inquisitorx.com/safari/index_en.php
• Restart Safari.
• Safari menu -> Preferences -> Search tab on the end
• Check “Display links to additional search engines”
• Click Edit Sites
• Click the plus sign and choose “New custom search shortcut”
• Type “OSU Libraries Catalog” under site name, and the following address under URL: http://library.ohio-state.edu/search/X?SEARCH=%@&searchscope=7&SORT=D
• You can choose a shortcut if you wish (Alt+Command+Letter)

More On Windows:

Chrome:

• Visit http://library.osu.edu
• Click the ‘Wrench’ and go to Options
• Under Default Search, click Manage
• Under Other search engines, click library.osu.edu, then choose Edit
• Name: OSU Libraries Catalog
• Keyword: osul
• Address: http://library.ohio-state.edu/search/X?SEARCH=%s&searchscope=7&SORT=D (address should already be populated, though)
• Click okay and close out the windows
• To perform a search with Chrome, type “osul <your query>” into the Omnibox

Entry Filed under: Search Tool, Utility